The Rialto Bridge (Italian: Ponte di Rialto; Venetian: Ponte de Rialto) is the oldest of the four bridges spanning the Grand CanalinVenice, Italy. Connecting the sestieri (districts) of San Marco and San Polo, it has been rebuilt several times since its first construction as a pontoon bridgein1173, and is now a significant tourist attraction in the city.[3]
Rialto Bridge
Italian: Ponte di Rialto
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Rialto Bridge crossing the Canal Grande
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| Coordinates | 45°26′17″N 12°20′10″E / 45.4380°N 12.3360°E / 45.4380; 12.3360 |
| Carries | pedestrian bridge[1] |
| Crosses | Grand Canal |
| Locale | Venice, Veneto, Italy |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | stone arch bridge |
| Width | 22.90 metres (75.1 ft)[2] |
| Height | 7.32 metres (24.0 ft) (arch only) |
| Longest span | 31.80 metres (104.3 ft) |
| History | |
| Construction start | 1588 |
| Construction end | 1591 |
| Location | |
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| Click the map for an interactive, fullscreen view | |
The present stone bridge, a single span designed by Antonio da Ponte, began to be constructed in 1588 and was completed in 1591.[3] It is similar to the wooden bridge it succeeded. Two ramps lead up to a central portico. On either side of the portico, the covered ramps carry rows of shops. The engineering of the bridge was considered so audacious that architect Vincenzo Scamozzi predicted future ruin. The bridge has defied its critics to become one of the architectural icons, and top tourist attractions, in Venice.[4]
The first dry crossing of the Grand Canal was a pontoon bridge built in 1181 by Nicolò Barattieri. It was called the Ponte della Moneta, presumably because of the mint that stood near its eastern entrance.[5]
The development and importance of the Rialto market on the eastern bank increased traffic on the floating bridge, so it was replaced in 1255 by a wooden bridge.[5] This structure had two ramps meeting at a movable central section, that could be raised to allow the passage of tall ships. The connection with the market eventually led to a change of name for the bridge. During the first half of the 15th century, two rows of shops were built along the sides of the bridge. The rents brought an income to the State Treasury, which helped maintain the bridge.
Maintenance was vital for the timber bridge. It was partly burnt in the revolt led by Bajamonte Tiepolo in 1310. In 1444, it collapsed under the weight of a crowd rushing to see the marriage of the Marquis of Ferrara[3] and it collapsed again in 1524.
The idea of rebuilding the bridge in stone was first proposed in 1503. Several projects were considered over the following decades. In 1551, the authorities requested proposals for the renewal of the Rialto Bridge, among other things. Plans were offered by famous architects, such as Jacopo Sansovino, Palladio and Vignola, but all involved a Classical approach with several arches, which was judged inappropriate to the situation. Michelangelo also was considered as designer of the bridge.[3]
It was called Shylock's bridgeinRobert Browning's poem "A Toccata of Galuppi's".
There being no vehicles or horses in Venice, it is simply for pedestrians.
The Italian police announced on Thursday that they had dismantled a suspected jihadist cell whose members had discussed blowing up the Rialto Bridge, one of the top tourist attractions in Venice
Rialto Bridge travel guide from Wikivoyage| Preceded by Il Redentore |
Venice landmarks Rialto Bridge |
Succeeded by San Giorgio Maggiore |
